iBstone AuraLink OTC Rechargeable RIC Hearing Aids User Manual

Introduction

The iBstone AuraLink OTC Rechargeable RIC Hearing Aids are designed to provide enhanced hearing for adults with mild to severe hearing loss. These devices feature app-controlled precise fitting, AI noise reduction, tinnitus masking, and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity for both iOS and Android devices. This manual provides detailed instructions for setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and user experience.

Quick Start Video Guide

Watch this comprehensive video for a visual guide on activating, connecting, and using your iBstone AuraLink hearing aids. The video covers several key aspects of the device's functionality.

What's in the Box

Your iBstone AuraLink package includes the following items:

• iBstone AuraLink Hearing Aids (Left and Right)
• Portable Charging Case
• USB Charging Cable
• Cleaning Brush/Tool
• Variety of Ear Domes (Open, Tulip, Closed, Sleeve)
• Earwax Filters
• Sport Locks
• Quick Guide and User Manual

Image: All items included in the iBstone AuraLink package.

Setup

1. Activating the Hearing Aid

For first-time use, remove the protective stickers from the charging contacts on both hearing aids. Place the hearing aids into the charging case and close the lid. Wait for approximately 10 seconds. Opening the lid will automatically power on the hearing aids.

Image: Hearing aids in the charging case with the lid open.

2. Downloading the AuraFit App

The AuraFit app allows for personalized control and optimization of your hearing aids. Download the free AuraFit app from the Apple App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). You can scan the QR code provided in the quick start guide or search for "AuraFit - Better Sound" directly in your app store.

3. Connecting Hearing Aid with App

To connect your hearing aids to the AuraFit app:

1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone.
2. Open the AuraFit app. The first time you connect, you may need to grant Bluetooth and location permissions to the app.
3. Tap "Search for Devices" within the app.
4. Select "AuraLink" from the list of available devices to establish a connection.

4. How to Wear a Hearing Aid

Proper wearing ensures comfort and optimal sound quality:

1. Identify the left (L) and right (R) hearing aids. These are marked on the back of each device and also indicated by blue (left) and red (right) markings on the receiver.
2. Hang the hearing aid behind your ear.
3. Gently insert the ear dome into your ear canal. Ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Image: Correct placement of the hearing aid in the ear.

Operation

1. Volume Control

You can adjust the volume directly on the hearing aid or through the AuraFit app.

• On-Device Control: Short press the Volume + or Volume - buttons on the hearing aid to adjust the volume from 1 to 10. A voice prompt will indicate "Maximum volume" or "Minimum volume" when limits are reached.
• App Control: In the AuraFit app, navigate to the "Volume & Mode" section. Use the sliders to adjust the volume for each ear individually or link both ears for simultaneous adjustment.

2. Mode Adjustment

The AuraFit app allows you to select different hearing modes tailored to various environments:

• Home (Quiet): Recommended for quiet, home environments.
• Outdoor (Noisy): Recommended for loud, outdoor environments.
• Wind Noise: Recommended for windy environments.
• TV Mode: Recommended for TV entertainment environments.

Select the mode that best suits your current environment for greater comfort and clarity.

3. Streaming with Environmental Sound

This feature allows you to mix external sounds with your hearing aid's streaming output. In the AuraFit app, under "Streaming with Environmental Sound", you can enable:

• Media with Environmental Sound: Keep the hearing aids on while using a media device.
• Call with Environmental Sound: Keep the hearing aids on during a call.

4. Tinnitus Masking

The tinnitus masking feature provides relief for individuals experiencing tinnitus by generating soothing background sounds or tailored masking tones. This helps reduce the perception of tinnitus and promotes a more comfortable listening experience. In the AuraFit app, select the background tone (e.g., Dark Noise, Gentle Stream, Summer Cicadas) and volume that best suits you to help mask your tinnitus sounds.

5. Advanced Tuning

The AuraFit app offers advanced tuning options to fine-tune the comfort level of your hearing aids to suit your hearing preferences, for one or both ears:

• Quietness: Adjust if the hearing aid feels overwhelmed by ambient noise.
• Loudness: Adjust if your own voice sounds too loud, muffled, or echoey.
• Softness: Adjust if the sound becomes too sharp or starts whistling.
• Clarity: Adjust if the sound isn't clear enough.

6. Font Size Adjustment

For improved readability, you can adjust the app's text size in the "Device Settings" section of the AuraFit app. Options typically include XS, S, L, and XL.

7. Turning Your Hearing Aid On or Off

• Power On: The hearing aid turns on automatically when removed from the charging case. Alternatively, short-press the "Volume -" button for 1 second.
• Power Off: Placing the hearing aid back in the case triggers the indicator light, and the device shuts off to start charging. Alternatively, long-press the "Volume -" button for 10 seconds until the "Power off" prompt tone is heard.

8. Scene Mode Switch (On-Device)

In hearing mode, long-press the "Volume +" button on either the left or right hearing aid for 3 seconds until three beeps sound. The device will cycle through modes in the sequence of Home → Outdoor → Wind Noise Reduction → TV, with settings synchronized between both ears.

Maintenance

1. Daily Care and Maintenance

It is essential to keep your hearing aids clean and dry every day. Use the provided cleaning tools or a soft, dry cloth to wipe your hearing aids. Swipe the small brush across the microphones and the charging contacts to remove any debris.

Image: Using the cleaning tool on the hearing aid.

2. Replacing Earwax Filters

Regularly replacing earwax filters is crucial for maintaining sound quality and device longevity.

1. Open the earwax filter box and take out one tool. Each tool has a new earwax filter at one end and a small hook at the other.
2. Pick up the receiver with the ear dome removed.
3. Insert the disassembly tip (hook end) of the tool into the used earwax filter, then pull the tool straight out. It is crucial to pull straight, not at an angle.
4. Insert the other end of the tool (new filter end) into the sound outlet. Gently press the replacement part directly into the sound outlet until the outer ring makes contact with the sound outlet. Pull the tool straight out. Your new earwax filter will remain in place.
5. Reinstall your ear dome or a replacement dome.

3. Installing a Sport Lock on the Receiver

Sport locks provide a more secure fit for active users. The sport lock has two ends: a thin one and a thick one.

1. Align the receiver with the receiver wire facing upward, and the sport lock with the tail pointing downward.
2. Connect the thin end of the sport lock onto the body of the receiver at the receiver nozzle.
3. Ensure the sport lock is securely installed on the receiver.
4. Place the sports lock into the auricle to complete wearing.

Battery Life and Charging

The iBstone AuraLink hearing aids offer extended battery life and convenient charging.

The portable charging case provides up to 60 additional hours of power, ensuring your hearing aids are ready for all-day use.

Image: Battery life details for various uses.

Indicator Light Status

The indicator light on the charging case provides information about the device's status:

• Green Light: Indicates the hearing aids are fully charged.
• Orange Light: Indicates the hearing aids need charging.
• White Light: Represents that the device is entering Bluetooth pairing mode.

Choosing Domes

Selecting the correct ear dome is essential for comfort, sound quality, and preventing feedback. Your iBstone AuraLink comes with various dome types:

• Open Dome: For mild to moderate hearing loss. Offers softness and superior comfort while allowing some external environmental sound to enter.
• Tulip Dome: For mild to severe hearing loss. Ensures a good seal of sound while allowing the ears to remain breathable.
• Closed Dome: For moderate to severe hearing loss. Delivers optimal sealing performance and effectively reduces background noise, helping to focus on sound in noisy environments.
• Sleeve Dome: For mild to severe hearing loss. Features an ear-conforming shape and avoids muffled sound with a vent for optimal hearing experience.

Image: Selection of ear domes for different hearing needs.

Note for First-Time Hearing Aid Users

Adapting to hearing aids takes time and patience. Here are some important notes for new users:

• A hearing aid is a device, not a real ear. You'll need time to adapt to get its full benefit.
• Some first-time hearing aid wearers may experience a "fatigue period" similar to first-time glasses wearers feeling something extra on their ears. This can cause discomfort. We suggest new users not wear them for long stretches initially.
• Good hearing aid usage habits lead to better results and faster adaptation. Follow the Four-Week Wearing Experience Plan below to adapt gradually.

Four-Week Wearing Experience Plan

This plan is designed to help you gradually adapt to your new hearing aids:

• Week 1: Patient Adaptation. Wear it for 2-3 hours per day. For the first use, please get used to it at home first. You'll notice that you can hear more sounds, which might seem a bit strange or uncomfortable. But keep wearing it.
• Week 2: Listening Practice. Wear it for 4-5 hours per day. You can put on the hearing aid and go to quiet outdoor places like neighborhoods or parks to listen to more sounds.
• Week 3: Communication with Others. Wear it for 6-8 hours per day. At this stage, you can go to crowded public places and communicate with more people. Ask them to speak a bit slower and more clearly.
• Week 4: Full Adaptation. Wear it all day long. Now you've fully adapted to wearing the hearing aid. You can try making phone calls and watching TV. You'll find that the volume is lower than before, but clearer, and it's easier to communicate with others.

Specifications

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your iBstone AuraLink hearing aids, please refer to the following common solutions:

• No Sound/Weak Sound: Check the volume settings in the app or on the device. Ensure the ear dome is clean and not blocked by earwax. Verify the hearing aid is powered on and fully charged.
• Feedback/Whistling: Ensure the ear dome is properly seated in your ear canal and provides a good seal. Try a different size or type of ear dome. Check if the volume is too high.
• Difficulty Connecting to App/Bluetooth: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and the hearing aids are in pairing mode (white indicator light). Restart both your phone and the hearing aids. Grant necessary permissions to the AuraFit app.
• Intermittent Connection: Ensure your phone is within range of the hearing aids. Avoid interference from other electronic devices.
• Uncomfortable Fit: Experiment with different sizes and types of ear domes to find the most comfortable and secure fit.
• Battery Not Charging: Ensure the charging cable is securely connected to both the case and a power source. Check that the charging contacts on the hearing aids and in the case are clean.

If the issue persists, please contact iBstone customer support for further assistance.

Warranty & Support

iBstone provides lifetime customer service and responsive US-based support for your AuraLink hearing aids. For any questions, technical assistance, or warranty claims, please refer to the contact information provided in your product packaging or visit the official iBstone website. Expert help is always available when you need it.